Valspar Championship Power Rankings: Top ten golfers at Innisbrook

PALM HARBOR, FL - MARCH 13: A copperhead statue signifying the 'Snake Pit' portion of the course sits near the 16th tee during the final round of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course on March 13, 2016 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

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PALM HARBOR, FL – MARCH 09: Patrick Reed hits off the 11th tee during the first round of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course on March 9, 2017 in Palm Harbor, Florida. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

Patrick Reed has had some close calls at the Valspar, tying for second in 2015 and seventh in 2016. A final round 66 in ’15 got him into a playoff that he and Sean O’Hair lost to Jordan Spieth.

That playoff showed off some of Reed’s artistry in a bunker shot that helped him stay alive.

Even at his most successful stretches at Innisbrook, Reed didn’t follow the prototype for winning here as he missed fairways in abundance. A good short game can come in handy, though. Reed’s proficiency around the greens is of greater value at this event.

Reed ranks sixth on the PGA Tour in strokes gained around-the-green this season.

He’s a woeful 207th in driving accuracy, which needless to say is not great. If he’s willing to settle for less than driver off the tee more often this week, he’s been solid from 125-200 yards. Reed ranks inside the top 15 in approaches from 125-150 yards, 150-175 and 175-200.

Reed might be a stay-away pick for some as it’s been since last summer since he’s contended for a win. Still, Reed’s talent, two top-25s in the early going of 2018 and solid course history combine to sneak him inside the top 10.

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